North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

What technique involves fitting a key directly to a locked cylinder by manipulating a blank?

1. Cutting Technique

2. Impression Technique

3. Mapping Technique

4. Encoding Technique

The correct answer is: Impression Technique

The technique that involves fitting a key directly to a locked cylinder by manipulating a blank is known as the Impression Technique. This method requires the locksmith to insert a blank key into the lock and then apply pressure while turning the key. The pins within the cylinder leave impressions on the blank, indicating where the cuts need to be made to create a working key. Impressioning is particularly valuable because it allows a locksmith to create a key without needing to disassemble the lock or have an existing key. It requires careful observation and skilled manipulation to ensure accuracy and functionality of the newly created key. This technique is often used for locks that do not have a readily available key or for duplicating keys when the original is not accessible. In contrast, the other techniques mentioned serve different purposes. The Cutting Technique refers to the process of physically cutting a key to specifications, Mapping Technique usually involves understanding or documenting the pin layout inside a lock, and Encoding Technique may relate to the creation of coded keys for electronic locks. None of these methods align with the specific action of producing a key through the use of a blank, as is done in the Impression Technique.